Can social security disability reviews be given after age 50? The short answer is that it is possible, but it has some aspects that differ from studies done before that age. Let’s try to get an in-depth look at everything about this process and the things you should be aware of if you face it.
Disability Benefits
Social Security disability benefits are achieved through the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes.
These are usually lengthy processes that must meet some requirements and consider aspects such as the applicant’s age.
That is important because the requirements and data are different as the applicant’s age increases. So will the reviews and tests. The explanation is simple: the older the applicant, the more difficult it is to reintegrate into the labor market and, therefore, the more vulnerable they are to an unfavorable economic situation.
How is disability determined under the SSA?
As we have already seen, it is necessary to be eligible for Social Security benefits by the authorities. Therefore, the first step is simple: to be able to classify as qualified within the range of disability.
The determination process to distinguish whether or not a person has a disability that qualifies them for Social Security benefits is divided into different steps.
The first step is whether or not the person is engaged in substantial gainful activity SGA. It is understood that a person who cannot perform this type of activity or everyday work already fulfills a step within the disability determination.
Other elements that are taken into account are the following:
- Medical diagnoses of severe disability.
- To have the condition that determines the disability included in the list recognized by the SSA as a disabling impairment.
- Not being able to perform the work performed before acquiring the condition.
- Determine the capabilities to perform other jobs.
How are the reviews for people over 50 years old
At the beginning of this article, we indicated that age was a factor in the disability review process. That means the requirements may gradually change after the age of 50.
Fundamentally, these requirements change in the last point of the previous block: determining your ability to perform other work.
After the age of 50, the SSA may determine other models of analysis as to whether or not you are capable of performing jobs other than the one you have been doing. The guideline by which this type of modification is made is known as the Grid (Grid medical-vocational guidelines or GRID rules).
Depending on the Grid rules, They may determine that the applicant can still perform certain jobs. For example, imagine you were doing a physical job for which you are no longer qualified. However, according to this measurement, you may be able to perform a sedentary job between the ages of 50 and 55.
In general, it is considered that when it is impossible to take on jobs before the condition for which disability is claimed, it is usually easier to qualify for disability recognition.
However, suppose factors such as the Grid rules come into play. In that case, you will probably have to demonstrate that within your previous work experience, you do not accumulate sedentary semi-skilled or skilled work.
This last aspect is important because not only will your performance and professional experience in these types of jobs count, but also your qualifications for them and, in some cases, whether you have applied for them through job application mechanisms.
For people between 55 and 59, disability ratings from physical work analysis are less harsh
.Although they may use other measures, it is generally possible to obtain disability even when we are granted a light-level RFC. The light-level RFC could mean you are not qualified for such a job because your previous job was physically demanding.
In general, a person over age 50 who applies for a disability but maintains sedentary work capabilities may not receive Social Security benefits.
On the other extreme, it is possible to obtain disability status beginning at age 50 even when the individual’s ability to perform light work is recognized. A key point, however, is that these types of rules have a lot of exceptions.
When applying for disability benefits, reviewing these rules and exceptions is very important. You can do this as an individual or through institutions or professionals who can help you with your legal understanding.